Adams Oshiomhole and Festus Keyamo

The Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, has condemned the conduct of Senator Adams Oshiomhole at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, describing his actions as unacceptable and reflective of a rising trend of unruly passenger behaviour.

Speaking in Lagos on Friday, AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo criticised the former Edo State governor’s confrontation with staff of Air Peace, urging Nigerians to respect airline operators and the aviation industry.

“There is no amount of disappointment that gives the right to self-help. What you saw was a typical case of unruly behaviour,” Okonkwo said.

He stressed that Air Peace, which carries nearly half of domestic passengers in Nigeria, deserves respect and should not be demonised over delays or operational issues.

“We have looked at the things he said, and we do not see any logic. There is no airline that will not want to carry its passengers,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a full investigation into the incident. Writing on his official X handle, Keyamo confirmed he has been in direct contact with both parties since the altercation.

“I directed the aviation agencies to exercise restraint and hear all sides before reaching conclusions,” Keyamo wrote. “All available evidence should be collected and submitted to my office to guide future conduct in similar situations.”

The minister also appealed to both sides to cease public accusations and counter-accusations while the probe is ongoing.

The incident took place on Wednesday, and as of Friday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had yet to issue a formal account of what transpired.